Standard Car Insurance Biloxi, Mississippi MS

Reader’s Question:

What is the difference between standard and non-standard auto insurance in Biloxi, Mississippi?

Vince

Biloxi, MS

Standard auto insurance is the type of insurance obtained through any voluntary insurance industry at a preferred rate. This is normally intended for drivers with very few violations, claims or cancellations of previous policies. Also, these drivers have better insurance (or credit) scores. For this reason, standard insurance premiums are much less than non-standard insurance premiums.

Typically, drivers who are unable to purchase standard coverage because of a poor driving record, lack of driving experience, high-performance vehicle, or lapse in coverage may obtain non-standard auto insurance. The underwriting experience of these drivers makes it difficult or impossible to obtain insurance at standard or preferred rates. But certain companies may consider them as acceptable risks at a higher premium. Most likely, these insurance policies are for minimum coverage.
You do not need to be a nonstandard driver to buy insurance from a nonstandard insurance company or in a nonstandard tier. There are instances when a nonstandard tier or company is able to offer a more competitive price. Some large and even well known insurance companies own smaller nonstandard insurance companies and offer nonstandard policies through their agents.

As with all types of insurance, there can be large variations in price when shopping for non-standard insurance in Biloxi Mississippi. Your best protection as a consumer is to shop for the best rates available in the market. If you can maintain a good driving record without claims you should be able to stay within the standard car insurance market and thus get better rates.

 

Tags: auto insurance

Cheap Car Insurance Rapid City South Dakota SD

Reader’s Question:

I’m about to buy my son his first car. I know that having a teenage driver under my policy will increase my premium. I also know that the kind of car a person drives also affects the rate of an insurance policy. What are the cars that are not too expensive to insure?

Larry

Rapid City, SD

 

It’s true that adding a teenage driver under your policy will surely increase you premium. This is because teenage drivers are considered high risk drivers. And it’s also true that the kind of car you’re going to get for your son will have an effect on your insurance rate. So, getting a sports car for him is not advisable. So, what are the cars that are considered least expensive to be insured?

According to a study conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (based on 2004-2006 vehicle models) following are the least expensive cars to be insured:
1. Ford Five Hundred 4WD (now the Ford Taurus)
2. Buick Rendezvous 4WD
3. Buick Lucerne/Buick Rainier 4WD/Honda Odyssey
4. Ford Freestyle 4WD/Subaru Outback 4WD
5. Buick Rendezvous/Honda Pilot
6. Chrysler Town & Country LWB
7. Honda Pilot 4WD
8. Buick LaCrosse/Chevrolet Uplander/Ford Escape/Volvo V70
9. Dodge Grand Caravan/Ford Freestyle 4WD
10. Ford Explorer 4WD/GMC Sierra 1500 4WD/Toyota Highlander/Toyota Sienna

These cars are found to be less likely to be stolen, and are said to be parked always in the garage. People who drive them are those who are most likely not to speed drive or drive carelessly. Also, they are not often used to going to work thus lessening the chance of being involved in a vehicular accident.

When shopping for cars in Rapid City, always consider that value of the car. And when shopping for insurance make sure you’ll do your research.

Tags: cheap auto insurance

Cheap Teen Driver Auto Insurance Quotes

Reader’s Question:

I’m about to get my one and only teenage son his first car. I’m not so familiar when it comes to adding a teenage driver under my auto insurance. What are the factors that will affect my insurance rate in Portland, ME?

Georgina

Portland, ME

Getting a teenage driver under your auto insurance policy would surely affect you rate to go up. Teenage drivers are generally considered high risked drivers. And according to studies, vehicular accident is one of the major causes of death for the age group of 16 to 19. But, there are still several factors that affect auto insurance rates, aside from just having a teenager under your insurance’s name:

1. Your son’s grade in school. Students with an average of B or better, often get discount.
2. You son’s driving experience. If he has taken special driving courses like enrolled in a defensive driving school, usually auto insurance companies offer discount for those who has taken such classes.
3. The model of your son’ car. Although it’s tempting to give your one and only son a fancy sports car, I would not suggest you do that. Expensive cars are more expensive to be insured.
4. Your son’s driving mileage. More driving miles means higher rate. So, make sure you’re son will burn some fats and start walking whenever possible.

One of the basic things I would always tell to parents, who have teenage drivers, is just to set an example on how to be responsible drivers. The first time I’ve added my daughter’s name under my insurance, it sure did increase my premium. But she is responsible enough to maintain clean driving record and over time my premium went down.
Also, always consult websites for available insurance quotes in Portland, ME. That is also one great way to compare quotes and save more on your premiums.

Car Insurance Claim Manchester New Hampshire NH

Reader’s Question:

I submitted a comprehensive coverage claim for my car because it appeared that some form of chemical had accidentally been spilled or sprayed on it. I bought the car in 1989 and at my insurance company’s request; I took the vehicle to an automotive glass shop, to the dealership where I bought the car and to an automotive detailing shop. I received the written statements from all three saying the same thing, that my car had been exposed to acid rain. After submitting these statements to my insurance company, the claims adjuster wrote: “We must respectfully deny your claim which has been confirmed to be a result of acid rain based on that fact that we cover losses that are direct and accidental, (BECAUSE) acid rain damage is not covered under the personal auto policy.” I’m so furious and I don’t think that it’s fair. Is there a way to reverse their decision?

Marissa

Manchester, New Hampshire

Your insurance company’s denial of your claim in Manchester does not stand up to scrutiny. There are instances that insurers customarily pay for damage caused by tree sap as long as you carry comprehensive coverage under your personal auto policy. This is on the premise that the damage by a tree sap is “direct and accidental”. The challenge for you now is how to form a strong argument that the acid rain is any less so?

The loss is unquestionably “accidental” unless it can be shown that you deliberately wanted your car to be exposed to acid rain, which is highly unlikely. There is no question that your loss is direct as to the place of the damage (i.e. the exterior of your car) if ever you would be questioned as to whether the loss is “direct”. Furthermore, assuming that each drop of acid rain causes its share of damage, each occurrence is also “direct” as to the time of occurrence. Therefore, a lot of little losses accumulate before they become measurable. If your insurer continues to deny your claim, contact your state insurance department in Manchester, New Hampshire to find out how to file a complaint.

Tags: auto insurance claims, automobile

Auto Insurance Aspen Hill Maryland MD

Reader’s Question:

I live in Aspen Hill Maryland and received a ticket for negligent driving. The court found me guilty but only gave me one point. How long will this point remain on my driving history and how long will my car insurance company look at it?

Jerome

Aspen Hill, MD

Points are evaluated to your driving record after you have been convicted of a traffic violation in Aspen Hills Maryland, such as negligent driving. Since you were found guilty in court, your one point violation was placed on your motor vehicle record (MVR).

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) states that after two years from the violation date the points are no longer considered “current” points on your driving history. The points stay on your Maryland driving record until they are officially expunged by the MVA. Expungement permits for the points removal and violations from a motorist record that were placed there after a motorist was convicted of violating certain laws, if the driver meets certain conditions set forth by Maryland Law.

The law enforcement officers the courts and other can check your driving records and will see the conviction for the violation for the time period in which it remains on your MVR. As for your insurance provider, the MVA states that points on your driving record are considered public information to your insurance provider and/or employer for three years from the violation date.

 

Tags: auto insurance, traffic violation

Cheap Senior Citizen Car Insurance Rates

Reader’s Question:

I’m Danny a senior citizen living in Denton, Texas. As a senior citizen, am I not entitled to a cheap car insurance rate?

Danny

Denton, TX

Today’s Texas car insurance market does not seem to have senior drivers in mind when it comes to lowering rates. Even if actual car use has diminished, some mature drivers find themselves paying much higher insurance premiums. The problem is not that auto insurers in Denton, Texas are attempting to push senior drivers into a position of getting unaffordable car insurance. It is simply the reality that changes in pricing structure have made it more difficult for individual seniors to understand all of the factors that may apply to rate reduction on insurance rates. Therefore, senior drivers are often unaware of the specific ways in which their car insurance rates may be reduced.

Senior drivers looking to lower their premiums on car insurance should review their policies taking into considerations the driver classification, driver’s history, claims history and financial score. A senior looking for lower car insurance rates should make sure the carrier is aware of the actual vehicle usage, and that this factor is being taken into account in the rate calculations. In addition, it is recommended that all senior drivers make their driver’s history as “clean” as possible. A senior’s claims history carries significant weight as well since the Texas Department of Insurance requires carriers to record all claims reported to them by the insured. Finally, senior drivers should do whatever they can to improve their financial score when looking for cheap car insurance rates.

As with all types of auto insurance, seniors should feel that their carrier’s representative is willing and able to take the time needed to discuss and adjust the car insurance policy to their clients benefit.

Car Insurance Claims Springfield Missouri MO

Reader’s Question:

How long do I have to make a claim for Personal Injuries in Springfield, MO and how long will it take to settle my claim?

Ariel

Springfield, MO

Every state has certain time limits, commonly called “statutes of limitations”, which govern the period during which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. For example, in some states, you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit from a car accident. If you miss the deadline for filing a case, you can never recover any damages obtained from the accident.

It is a time frame wherein you have to file a lawsuit in Springfield, Missouri. When the statute of limitations expires on your case, then you simply don’t have a case anymore. It differ not only from state to state, but also in regard to the types of lawsuits involved. In other states, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice, suits against governmental agencies, and wrongful death actions is shorter than that for other kinds of personal injury cases. Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is from one to three years, and the time begins from the time of the incident. However, there are some exceptions and an experienced lawyer can help you with these circumstances. As for the length of time it takes to settle a personal injury case, it depends on the circumstances surrounding the case. The longer it may take to settle the case if it is more complex. Many cases will usually take anywhere from 3 to 18 months to settle depending on the complexity of the case.

 

Tags: auto insurance claims

Automobile Insurance Minnesota MN

Reader’s Question:

I’m a valet parking attendant in Minnesota and I want to know who should pay for my auto insurance?

Chris

St. Paul, MN

All valet parking attendants like you need to have their own personal automobile insurance. However the bigger question is regarding the garage keeper’s insurance (that pays for damages to non-owned vehicles) that is required in the valet industry. In operating a valet parking company, there are different options as to the kind of insurance and how employees are paid. In states (like MN) where tip credit is not allowed, employees must be paid the minimum wage as set by the Fed or State, unless they are 1099 contractors. It’s important to know this difference prior to answering the question above because that will change who pays for the (very expensive) insurance coverage required in the valet industry. If a valet parking attendant is a legal employee of a parking company, then the financial burden of insurance must fall upon the parking company. If a parking company hires staff as 1099 contractors, then they could oblige the attendants to get their own insurance. The problem here is that I don’t know of anybody that could afford the substantial premiums for garage keeper’s liability coverage on the pay of a valet attendant, let alone take that amount of risk exposure personally. While this answer may not be applicable nation-wide, this is what research studies show regarding labor laws and insurance for the valet parking industry so far.

 

Tags: car insurance

Car Insurance Law San Antonio Texas TX

Reader’s Question:

I just recently moved here in San Antonio Texas, got a new job, got a new car and just starting a new life. I’ve been surfing the net and came across this site and found some interesting stuff about car insurance. I know I should get car insurance but I really don’t understand why. I mean, if I chose not to get a car insurance will I be held liable by Texas law?

George

San Antonio, TX

 

Yes.

The very basic rule is that all vehicles must be insured in Texas and getting caught driving without a car insurance means:

• For first time offenders, being fined from $175 to $350.
• For second time offenders, you’re just up for a higher fine.
• And for thirds offenders, paying a higher fine (as compared to your 2nd offense) and also the possibility of having your driver’s license suspended, your vehicle being impounded and not to mention a ticket for surchargeable violation. A surchargeable violation means you can pay the fine for the ticket and you’ll continue paying up to three years, even if you maintain car insurance after that.

So having car insurance is a win-win situation George. It’s your guardian angel on the road and it’s also one way of preventing paying sky rocketed fines and being penalized by Texas Law. So, just follow the law and you’ll be ok.

 

Tags: auto insurance

Car Insurance Rates Michigan MI

Reader’s Question:

Can an car insurance companies charge higher car insurance rates for those who drive with cell phones? Why or why not?

Harold

Royal Oak, MI

If insurance providers see a high correlation between accidents and cell phone usage while driving, these insurance companies might consider that when they determine their car insurance rates. Now, insurance carriers are required to file their auto insurance rates and rules with state regulatory bodies such as the Department of Insurance. What I know is that, there isn’t a ‘law’ that prohibits insurance providers from basing their insurance premiums on motorists who use their cell phones when they drive.Additionally, I have not heard of any insurance carrier charging increased auto insurance rates because its insured use cell phones while driving. It’s just a matter of how the car insurance rates are filed and passed on to you.

Tags: auto insurance, automobile